Porsche Brand Ambassador Jörg Bergmeister turns to Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and the Sonderwunsch team to create a 911 GT3 RS worthy of a 24-hour winner.
[source: Porsche AG]
The afternoon of 2 February, 2003, was a historic day for Porsche. When a privately entered 911 GT3 RS crossed the line at the Daytona International Speedway, it had not only won its class at one of the toughest and most prestigious endurance events on the international sports car calendar, but in so doing had beaten all-comers to take an unprecedented overall victory.
One of the drivers that day was Jörg Bergmeister, a graduate of Carrera Cup competing in only his second 24-hour race at Daytona. Alongside him were Michael Schrom, Timo Bernhard and team owner Kevin Buckler, whose 996-generation customer racer was entered by TRG or ‘The Racer Group’ and finished in the team’s now familiar blue and yellow livery.
Fast forward two decades and the teammates are now old friends in regular contact. And when the new 911 GT3 RS was announced in August 2022, a seed was sown by Schrom that would lead Bergmeister on an 18-month journey to a unique and a deeply personal car of his own design.
“The idea came from Michael Schrom”
“The idea actually came from Michael in the summer of 2022,” Bergmeister says. “When he heard about the new GT3 RS he pointed out that the following year was the 20th anniversary of our win at Daytona in a GT3 RS. It was perfect timing.”
Bergmeister was able to secure an allocation for a GT3 RS with the provision for all-important Paint to Sample. His Daytona winner was painted in Rivierablue, a colour that had been with the driver since his earliest days racing Formula cars in his native Germany. Working closely with Porsche’s Sonderwunsch team, a design was gradually created that would closely replicate the original livery while introducing a number of unique elements to commemorate the anniversary of that special win.
Panels in Rivierablue
Bergmeister specified a car without the bare carbon Weissach Package in order to paint all the panels in the correct Rivierablue. Exterior elements in contrasting Racing Yellow were applied to match those on the TRG race winner and the rear wing was painted in white with side plates in Racing Yellow. On the underside of the rear wing, a Porsche crest was also applied, while further exterior touches included the model name on the rear deck and foil decals on the car’s flanks in matching Racing Yellow.
Inside, Bergmeister specified extended black leather with stitching in contrasting GT Silver and additional Race-Tex covering the dash. The car was also ordered with the Club Sports package that includes a one-kilogram road-legal fire extinguisher, another nod to its thoroughbred predecessor. But the most striking feature of the interior would be the unique carbon fibre door sill panel, the lettering on which emulates the engraving on the Rolex watches awarded to winners of the 24 Hours of Daytona.
After a year-long wait, Bergmeister was finally presented with his bespoke GT3 RS in Zuffenhausen in mid-February, by happy coincidence on his 48th birthday. He credits Sandy-Marc Bauer from International VIP & Special Sales and Boris Apenbrink, Director Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Vehicles and Options, and his dedicated team with the successful realisation of his dream.
“A lot of people were involved with this project,” Bergmeister says, “helping to get all the little details on there. And everyone who has seen the car since and knows the story behind it really likes it.”
The car is now receiving full paint protection before its maiden outing, with Bergmeister eager for the drier conditions of spring to arrive. “I can’t wait to drive it but first the weather needs to get better. I’m definitely not going to take it out on salty winter roads. It’s a little too precious to me to be a daily driver!”
When the right day arrives, it is certain to be a poignant moment for everyone involved. “I’m still proud of what we achieved back then at Daytona, and this car has brought back those memories already. I’m not usually that emotional, but when I first saw it I got goose bumps. I feel so fortunate that it’s finally done and I’m super-stoked with how it’s turned out.”
Individuality is at the core of the Porsche brand. There is therefore a large number of options already available for the new Panamera in the configurator to meet the customisation requirements of customers in this segment. In addition, Porsche’s overlapping customisation programmes Paint to Sample, Paint to Sample Plus and Sonderwunsch further broaden the already extensive standard range. Paint to Sample includes more than 50 predefined, technically approved colours for the Panamera. With the Paint to Sample Plus option, the paintwork can be chosen almost without restriction. This includes an extensive feasibility study.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur has developed a number of directly configurable options for the new Panamera. These include the SportDesign package including sill trims in Black or Turbonite as well as the SportDesign package in Carbon Fibre + Aerokit and special 21-inch wheels. Six shades are available for each of the Exclusive Design and Sport Design wheels. In addition, there are tinted HD matrix LED headlights and tail lights with both departure and welcome-home animation. A special Sports exhaust system with tailpipes in dark bronze rounds off the exterior options for the new Panamera from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur will also upgrade the interior on request. Interior packages in matt carbon with contrasts in Neodyme, Carmine Red or Ceramica can be configured directly. In addition, there are extended leather options, for example on the handles, the luggage compartment lid or the seat consoles. The leather-free finishes include the option of colour-coded decorative stitching and matching seat belts. The dial of the SportChrono cockpit watch can be configured in a matching Night Green on a Kalahari grey background. The GT sports steering wheel can be specified with a carbon trim on request. Even for vehicle keys and floor mats, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers particularly high-quality options.
Panamera joins the Sonderwunsch programme
Beyond the directly configurable options, Porsche pursues a systematic approach to customisation. The Sonderwunsch programme from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur combines the maximum individuality of a custom workshop with the uncompromising perfection of a large car manufacturer. Porsche has now brought the eponymous 1970s programme to the present day. It enables customer-created, personalised one-offs professionally implemented by Porsche.
The Sonderwunsch programme, which was restarted at the beginning of 2022, is comprised of three strands. First, customer-specific colour and material requirements in the interior and exterior can be integrated directly into the production run. The second strand is Factory Re-Commissioning. Here, it is possible to retrofit previously manufactured vehicles with new colour and material options according to special requirements. This is also possible after several years and in collaboration with Porsche Classic for classic Porsche vehicles. The third strand is the Factory One-Off option. At Porsche, this term describes cars that are not only customised or revised in terms of appearance, but also in terms of technology, at the customer’s request. The options range from a complete restoration to new technical developments. Depending on the vehicle’s age, the technical experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic take care of implementation.
The implementation of special requests for the Porsche Panamera is carried out via Factory Re-Commissioning. The customer can become a co-project manager and work out their special wishes in close cooperation with Porsche designers and developers. They check the customer’s ideas for feasibility and work out the details with them, including technical certification. This ensures that the result meets all Porsche quality standards in every detail. The implementation takes place either directly after the production of the car or at a later stage – as desired.
Panamera Turbo ‘Sonderwunsch’ demonstrates the potential of the Sonderwunsch programme
Porsche demonstrated the almost unlimited options of the Sonderwunsch programme during the world premiere of the new Panamera. The Panamera Turbo ‘Sonderwunsch’ show car illustrates a number of possibilities. Specially created colour tones, individual accents and planning down to the last detail demonstrate the all-encompassing nature of the Sonderwunsch programme from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
The demonstration model, customised by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, was given a two-tone colour scheme in the specially mixed shade of Leblon Violet Metallic. This is a chestnut shade with a violet note. In an elaborate painting technique, the colour fades into a solid black in the lower third of the car. The door sills and front and rear spoiler lips are in solid black. The darkened headlights, tail lights and windows are perfectly matched, and the tailpipes were designed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur designers in Black. They also mixed real gold flakes into the car’s clear lacquer coating, creating a spectacular glitter effect.
The exterior of the Panamera Turbo ‘Sonderwunsch’ also features pinstripes in Avium Metallic with an integrated ‘Sonderwunsch’ logo. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also lacquered the face of the 21-inch centre-lock wheel rims and the frames of the side windows in this colour. In contrast, the rim base features the main shade of Leblon Violet Metallic.
For the first time, Porsche has implemented a customer-specific Paint to Sample Plus colour in a new process.
[source: Porsche AG]
Guards Red, Racing Yellow, Carrara White Metallic – just a few of the familiar names for colours from the Porsche Car Configurator. Now a brilliantly rich green will join the palette. Michael Essmann, a long-standing Porsche lover and Managing Director of family business Elektro Essmann, has had his very own individual colour made within the scope of the Paint to Sample Plus range. As part of the model year R Paint to Sample range, starting in March 2023 the exterior colour Essmanngreen, colour code 24C, will also be available through the Car Configurator for customers of the 911, 718 and Taycan model lines.
As far back as 1992, Michael Essmann had a 911 Carrera RS 3.6 (964) painted in the company colour of the master workshop for electrical installations and photovoltaic systems – the first Porsche model in Essmanngreen. Other cars followed, including a 911 GT3 RS 4.0 (997) and most recently a 911 GT3 Touring (992). Sons Mike and Stefan Essmann compete successfully in the Porsche Sports Cup, with racing cars naturally, these also displaying Essmanngreen accents on the bodies.
“My very first Porsche was a 911 SC in 1978 with which I also graduated from the Sport Driving School,” recalls Michael Essmann. “It was painted Opal Metallic. It was only later that I had the idea of using the colour of our family business for my private cars too. But every time I pick up a new Porsche in this very special colour it’s a great feeling. And to know that I’m the originator of this colour named after me.”
Highest quality and perfect colour matching
While the Custom Colour of the 964 was blended in the After Sales painting process that was standard at the time 30 years ago, the current Essmann Porsche benefits from Porsche professionalising the range of special exterior colours in 2021 and significantly expanding its capacity. A new colour-mixing bench has been put into operation at the main plant in Zuffenhausen, where paint specialists blend several dozen ingredients down to the last milligram to achieve the desired shade. When the binding agents and additives are included, the recipe for Essmanngreen contains over 100 ingredients.
Each batch is divided into two paint pots for bodywork and add-on parts. The areas to be painted on the vehicle consist largely of aluminium, plastics and carbon/fibreglass composites. This mix of materials and the different application methods and drying temperatures require slightly different paint compositions, depending on the component. A test body and so-called batch comparison plates are painted and used as a colour reference for the final acceptance of the car.
These completely new processes designed for high quality with the combination of craftsmanship and industrialisation required the re-development, testing and approval of all colours, some of which had already been used successfully in the past in the old paint shop. This is why it was necessary to develop a paint recipe for Essmanngreen on Type 992 because it was last used successfully in the old paint shop for Type 997.
“Unusual paint finishes are part of the history of our brand and are an important differentiating feature,” says Alexander Fabig, Head of Individualisation and Classic. “The intelligent combination of the production process and its industrialisation is unique. Our customers thus enjoy a very wide range of available colours and many custom paint finishes that meet the highest standards. Every colour must be deemed suitable for many different surfaces and materials – perfect colour matching is what is wanted.”
170 additional colours across all model series
Porsche has extended its colour range while simultaneously restructuring it. “Paint to Sample” used to be known as “Custom Colour”. This category includes predefined colours that have already been technically approved by the paint specialists at Porsche.
For especially individual colour requests, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur goes a step further: “Paint to Sample Plus” allows almost complete freedom in selecting the paintwork based on a sample submitted by the customer. Thus, the Essmanngreen colour on Michael Essmann’s 911 GT3 Touring was first created as a “Paint to Sample Plus”. After technical approval, the Porsche paint specialists then added the colour to the “Paint to Sample” programme. There, Essmanngreen can now be selected from anyone who is interested via the Porsche Car Configurator. The process was started by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, who painted a brand-new 911 GT3 RS (992) in the this colour for exhibition purposes.
The overall range of “Colours of Choice” is very big. For the 911 and 718 model series, there are currently 115 additional paint colours to choose from, For the Taycan there are currently 108 such options, while for the Panamera and the Macan the number is 59, with the Cayenne offering a choice of 52 different colours. Taking into account a number of overlaps, there are 170 additional colours for all model series combined.
Personal design even in the interior
Michael Essmann selected not only “Paint to Sample Plus” but also further custom options from the Sonderwunsch programme of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. For example, his very personal 911 GT3 Touring (992) has a Porsche logo on the side whose look is based on the Porsche Heritage Design models.
In the interior, the seats were customised. Based on the 964 RS, the seat centres have a graduated colour design in Slate Grey and Crayon. Trim made of carbon enhances the dashboards. The “touring” logo is stitched into the headrests of the full bucket seats in red thread. This fits in with the overall concept as Elektro Essmann also uses red as a contrasting colour.
About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen creates very personal customer vehicles through a combination of perfect craftsmanship and a high-tech approach. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship.
The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customisation options for the exterior and interior of Porsche cars. Visible examples include Sport Design packages, custom rim designs and interior trims, as well as the comprehensive “Paint to Sample” range for all Porsche models. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur fulfils the highest demands with regard to materials and craftsmanship. Alongside individual customer vehicles, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also produces limited small series and editions. High-quality materials are combined with modern production technologies to create a harmonious overall concept.
This video takes viewers inside Werk 1, the home of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and the Sonderwunsch program. The video explores the process of customizing a Porsche, from initial consultation to the final product. Viewers will learn about the Sonderwunsch program and how it allows customers to create their dream car.
Monterey, CA – The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS made its first in-person appearance today at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, only two days after its digital world premiere. The show car – customized by the GT Model Line and Style Porsche – is a tribute to the 1972 911 Carrera RS 2.7.
Additionally, as announced by Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America Inc. (PCNA), the car will serve as inspiration for a limited-availability Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offering exclusive to U.S. customers: a Tribute to Carrera RS Package.
“America is the second home of the 911 and a special tribute exclusive to the U.S. is the perfect way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 911 Carrera RS 2.7,” said Gruner. “So many of us idolized the original 1972 car. We want to create a special experience that combines exclusive options on the new GT3 RS with a one-of-a-kind list of accompanying items. Together, it will be an exciting and individual tribute to the RS lineage. This is a live project in its early stages, and is being created by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts as a joint effort between our colleagues in Zuffenhausen, Flacht and our team in America. The ideas and concepts are really exciting and we’re having a lot of fun developing it – all of us are looking forward to sharing more details with you soon.”
Appropriately for Monterey Car Week, the model on display is extensively personalized. Finished in white with key areas in Python Green, the car is a direct reference to the iconic white and green color configuration offered in 1972 on the first 911 “RS” model as well as a new interpretation of it. In this instance, the body is finished in non-metallic white including side air intakes painted to match with model designation graphics on the sides and rear in Python Green, forged aluminum wheels in Python Green with white pinstripes. Exclusive Design taillights emphasize the green-on-white theme by eliminating the red color from the rear taillights and third brake light. Finally, the side plates on the left and right ends of the large rear wing are painted white with RS logos in Python Green.
“Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur allows customers to personalize their car to a point where the vehicle is as much a reflection of them as it is of Porsche,” said Karl-Heinz Volz, Director of Exclusive Manufaktur Options. “Personalization is a Porsche tradition dating back to our first production model, the 356, when a customer requested a wiper be added to the rear window of their car. Today it is an incredibly extensive personalization program, offering options ranging from small changes to true one-off creations.”
The headlights also feature a pinstripe ring in white, something that is not available via the normal list of factory-available options. The color combination continues inside the car with matching stitching, trim panels in white to match the exterior.
“As a car enthusiast growing up, my walls were plastered with models that I was particularly fond of. One of the most influential was the 911 Carrera RS 2.7. As a young kid it captured me imagination and even today it puts a smile on my face,” Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Lines, said. “That’s where the styling inspiration of the 996 GT3 RS came from, which was one of my first projects at Porsche. At the time, that car felt totally extreme so colors nodding to the forefather made sense. Today, it’s a very emotional moment for me to pay tribute to the first 911 RS model with our most extreme and capable 911 GT3 RS yet.”
About the 2023 911 GT3 RS
The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the most extreme street-legal 911 model yet. Its 4.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer six-cylinder engine generates 518 hp, and revs to 9,000 rpm (911 GT3 RS: Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 13.2 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 299 g/km, CO2 class G ). That power is routed exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission. Making extensive use of motorsport-derived aerodynamics, it generates more than 900 lbs. of downforce at 124 mph and 1,895 lbs of downforce at 177 mph.
This is also the first example of a 911 GT3 RS with active aerodynamics, a feature that is used to offer incredible levels of downforce, provide deceleration assistance by creating an air brake, and by offering a Drag Reduction System (DRS) that can reposition aerodynamic elements to cut drag at the driver’s command in certain conditions.
About the 1972 / 1973 911 Carrera RS 2.7
Fifty years ago, the world knew the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 as Germany’s fastest sports car. It began as a homologation special and featured many technological innovations. It was the most powerful version of the first-generation 911, generating 210 PS at 6,300 rpm and 188 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,100 rpm from its air-cooled flat-six developed by Hans Mezger and Valentin Schäffer.
A more potent engine was only part of the success story. Much like the new 911 GT3 RS, wind tunnel testing and aerodynamic science introduced never-before-seen technology to the 911. The ducktail, now as much an icon of style as an element of function, was critical in achieving stability at high speeds. Not only did it unlock the ability to drive faster, but it did so without incurring additional drag. In fact, it reduced the drag coefficient
The organisers of this one-make series have decided to mark this special anniversary with a treat for themselves: the project managers at Porsche Motorsport asked the specialists at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur to carry out a complex Factory Re-Commissioning of a roadgoing 911 GT3 based on the 911 GT3 Cup in the 30th anniversary livery.
[source: Porsche AG]
The Porsche Supercup has been one of the best-known and toughest customer racing series in the world for 30 years. To drive the new 911 GT3 Cup on legendary circuits such as Monte Carlo or Silverstone in the run-up to Formula One races is a dream-come-true for many racers. The organisers of this one-make series have decided to mark this special anniversary with a treat for themselves.
911 GT3 road version in anniversary design
As part of the new Sonderwunsch programme, the unique model was completed in less than six months. At Porsche, a ‘Sonderwunsch Factory Re-Commissioning’ is both a recommissioning project and a customisation one – in other words the technical restoration of a Porsche road car along with a redesign of the exterior and interior colour concept to a new-vehicle standard. Highlights include the spectacular eight-colour paintwork design with the anniversary logo and a multicolour pixel mesh around the rear wheel arches, among other elements. The names of all 29 previous Porsche Supercup champions are also immortalised in gold on the rear bumper.
“Every Sonderwunsch project is something very special – not only for the customers, but also for us,” says Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization and Classic at Porsche. “New projects means new challenges, and we learn something every time. That applies to this 911 GT3 – 30 Years of Porsche Supercup as well.”
“A tight schedule, high technical standards and a great team spirit that ultimately takes you to the finish line – this is something that I’ve otherwise only seen in the world of motorsport,” says Oliver Schwab, Project Manager of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. “Working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur on this Factory Re-Commissioning was a great experience. And the 911 GT3 – 30 Years of Porsche Supercup is a worthy ambassador in our anniversary year. The Porsche Supercup made racing history and continues to do so today. We say ‘Happy Birthday’ and look forward to many more years of racing on the most famous race tracks in the world.”
To begin with, the special model will be seen at the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races. From late summer, appearances at the Porsche Museum and the CityLife Showroom in Milan are in the works, together with the 911 GT3 Cup VIP racing car. This model is a key element in communications for the Porsche Supercup. Every season, a well-known celebrity races the car as a guest driver. Past Supercup champions will also take the Sonderwunsch 911 GT3 on excursions and talk about their triumphs and highlights.
The basis for the Sonderwunsch Factory Re-Commissioning was an already finished, road-ready Porsche 911 GT3 – the roadgoing version of the racing car used in the Porsche Supercup. In a process lasting several weeks, the vehicle was first disassembled and then rebuilt with its special design.
Custom modifications to the exterior and interior
The 911 GT3 – 30 Years of Porsche Supercup features multicolour paintwork. Not a single detail on the vehicle is a wrap or sticker. The eight colours in total – GT Silver Metallic, Agate Grey Metallic, high-gloss Black, Meteorgreymetallic, Parliamentgreymetallic, Volcanogreymetallic, Grigiogranitometallic and Diamondblackmetallic – are all painted, as are the gold-coloured names of the Supercup winners.
The greatest challenge in the painting process was to precisely apply the multicoloured pixel mesh to several points on the dynamically shaped body. Inspired by the VIP racing car, the pattern can be found behind the air outlets in the front bonnet, behind the front wheels and on the rear wheel arches. The anniversary logo, a large golden ‘30’, is displayed on the doors and front bonnet. In addition, the names of all 29 past Porsche Supercup champions have been painted in gold and sealed with a high-gloss clear lacquer. After the paintwork, the vehicle was reassembled by hand at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and customised with additional Sonderwunsch features.
Inside, the seats are particularly stunning. The embossed anniversary logo in the headrests, an independent Sport Tex colour variant in Black/Aurum for the centre panels and colour-coordinated piping in Mojave Beige lend the leather seats a very special character.
The cuboid pattern in Black/Aurum is also used on the armrests in the doors. The dashboard trim also bears the anniversary logo while the top part of the dashboard, the door panels and the side panels have been customised with Mojave Beige cross-stitching.
About Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is regarded as one of the toughest one-make series in the world. Races are held at the European events of the FIA Formula One World Championship. In addition to the opening event in Imola, Italy on 24 April, there are seven further races on the calendar this year. A total of 28 racing drivers from eight teams are competing for the title in this anniversary season. In addition to the overall and ProAm driver classification, there is also a team and a rookie classification.
Since the 2021 season, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car has been based on the current 992 generation 911. With an output of around 375 kW (510 PS), the spectacularly designed Cup car outmuscles its direct predecessor by 25 PS. The 911 GT3 Cup will be fuelled with Esso Renewable Racing Fuel.
The highly successful Porsche junior programme has served as a springboard for professional careers in racing for 25 years and has produced numerous works drivers, world champions and Le Mans winners. Examples include the careers of Timo Bernhard (Porsche Junior from 2000 to 2001), Marc Lieb (2000 to 2002) and Earl Bamber (2014): all three won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship title at least once with the Porsche 919 Hybrid.
About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen creates very personal customer vehicles through a combination of perfect craftsmanship and a high-tech approach. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship. The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customisation options for the exterior and interior of Porsche cars.
As part of its Co-Creation strategy, the sports car manufacturer is reinterpreting its legendary Sonderwunsch programme from the late 1970s, which will enable it to design individualised, one-off cars – co-created by the customer and professionally produced by Porsche. The expansion of this offering is divided into the areas of Factory Commissioning for individual customer colour and material requests directly in production as well as subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning and Factory One-Off after vehicle delivery to the customer. Whereas Factory Re-Commissioning is all about individual colours and materials, the Factory One-Off service is a systematic new technical development.
Porsche is expanding capacity for its popular “Paint to Sample” program to meet increasing demand and improve ease of access for customers. With the newly revamped “Paint to Sample,” more than 160 pre-approved colors will be available with the option to specify a totally bespoke color through “Paint to Sample Plus,” which requires extensive feasibility testing. These colors are in addition to the wide selection of paint choices Porsche already offers, including several no-cost, non-metallic colors, and additional-cost metallic colors ranging from $650 to $840 depending on the model. Special color options are also available for between $2,580 and $3,270 depending on the model.
Porsche Paint shop in Zuffenhausen: batch comparison plates are painted and serve as color reference samples during the final inspection of the vehicle.
“Individualization is at the core of Porsche. Customers have been making special requests to personalize their cars since our earliest model, the 356,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Paint to Sample is integral in satisfying that demand. With this offering, we bring many historic colors back to life and expand the catalog to a total of more than 160 choices.”
The array of colors on offer is extensive and varies depending on the model and production facility. More than 100 additional colors beyond the standard offerings are available for the 911 and 718 variants. Panamera, Macan and Cayenne, have access to more than 50 Paint to Sample color choices. The Taycan has 65 color choices.
Paint to Sample Plus: extensive feasibility check
The expansion is possible thanks in large part to a new color mixing bank that went online this year in the Zuffenhausen plant where the 911, 718 and Taycan model lines are assembled. For example, Paint to Sample capacity for 911 models will increase from roughly five cars per day to about 20 cars per day. The Paint to Sample process does not increase the time required for overall production.
Customers can specify Paint to Sample through their local Porsche dealer. In the future, it will also be possible to visualize the extensive Paint to Sample color palette on the Porsche Car Configurator. Pricing depends on the model and variant. Paint to Sample costs $11,430 for most 911 and 718 models. For 718 GT and 911 Turbo, Turbo S as well as the 911 GT3 models, the price is $12,830.
For unique color requests, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers Paint to Sample Plus on all models except Cayenne. In these cases, the customer provides a color sample to their dealer that is sent to Porsche AG and subjected to extensive quality and feasibility testing. The customer car is not finished in the bespoke color until feasibility testing – up to 11 months in certain cases – is complete. If the paint color is not feasible, Porsche covers the cost of the feasibility study. Pricing example for Paint to Sample Plus: $22,860 for most models, and $25,660 for 911 Turbo and GT models as well as 718 GT models.
About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: in an interplay of craftsmanship and attention to detail, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur creates extremely personal customer vehicles. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship. The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customization options for the exterior and interior. The highest standards are fulfilled with respect to material and finishing.
Alongside the individual customer vehicles, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also produces limited small series and editions. Here, high-quality materials are combined with modern production technologies to create a harmonious overall concept. Porsche dealers provide advice on the range and possibilities offered by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as the first point of contact alongside the online Car Configurator. Around 100 Exclusive Manufaktur partners are available to customers all over the world to help fulfill particularly individual wishes. These are Porsche dealers that are specially equipped and trained to provide advice on the Exclusive Manufaktur product range. In addition, advice is available for all models at the heart of the brand in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, in cooperation with the Porsche dealer and on the basis of a commission number. The main plant specializes in individual paint finishes: Werk 1 has the largest collection of Porsche color samples and sample vehicles painted in Paint to Sample.
Stuttgart, Germany – Pictures, cups and racing suits – the typical mementos of a motor sport career. Paolo Barilla, overall winner of Le Mans in 1985 in a private Porsche 956, has chosen a different, far more dynamic reminder of his greatest sporting success.
[source: Porsche AG]
On his 60th birthday, he was the first customer to complete a car project together with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as part of the new Sonderwunsch programme. It became known as the “dream car”. The Italian entrepreneur wanted to design a unique Porsche 911 GT3 (992) based on his Le Mans winning car and to be fully involved in its creation. In addition to the characteristic racing look in Summer Yellow, white and black, this special car has the winning race number 7 on its bonnet and doors. Other features such as the rear wing and the gear lever were also reinterpreted and in part developed independently.
“The unique customer experience is at the heart of the Porsche brand,” according to Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualisation and Classic at Porsche AG. “That’s why the significantly expanded Sonderwunsch programme is another milestone in terms of customer enthusiasm worldwide. And this car project is the jewel in the crown of customisation by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.”
“In the Eighties, I had the chance to drive the wonderful Porsche 956, an iconic car in terms of performance and beauty,” says Paolo Barilla, ex-racing driver and Deputy Chairman of the Italian food company. “The interpretation of some elements in a modern GT3 makes that memory exciting and vital – for me and for people who are close to me.”
As Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualisation and Classic at Porsche AG explains, “the cooperation with Paolo Barilla was a very special project for Porsche too. Because not only is the handcrafted 911 GT3 itself highly individual, but its design process is also unique.”
Unique from every angle
One of the special features of this 911 GT3 is its striking exterior paintwork in Summer Yellow, white and black. It reinterprets the striped design of the historic racing car. The front apron and the trim rings on the headlights are also painted in Summer Yellow. The design of the centre-lock wheels is inspired by the rims of the Porsche 956. When used in racing, these had White aeroblades. The 911 GT3 rims are also white at the front, while the rear axle is painted in a modern gold colour.
The side plates on the rear spoiler are also influenced by the design and geometry of their historic predecessor. Sample components were initially developed using rapid prototyping. Naturally, aerodynamic performance and, in particular, the balance between the front and rear axles needed to be retained, so the aerodynamic engineers from the series-produced 911 GT3 were included in the project at a very early stage. The modified rear wing had to prove its flow characteristics in the wind tunnel. “PB 60” is blazoned across the flanks, representing Paolo Barilla’s initials and age. The style of this logo is inspired by the graphic of the then main sponsor of the Le Mans winning car.
Unique Interior
Black dominates the interior, as you would expect in a racing car. The door entry guards and the decorative trim in yellow on the passenger side dashboard are decorated with a logo specially designed with the customer in mind. It combines the type code 956, the “Le Mans 1985” logo and the stylised silhouette of the racing car. This logo and the 1985 circuit are embroidered in the headrests. The gear lever is reminiscent of the magnesium ball in the 956 racing car and is an elaborate custom-made product: the top part was milled from an aluminium block and the surface was sanded.
Within the new Sonderwunsch programme, the client assumed the role of project manager. As part of the project team, made up of experts from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and the Style Porsche design department, Barilla collaborated directly in the creation of his dream car. The process took a total of three years, from the first design sketch to the technical feasibility check and construction. Development started on the basis of the predecessor GT3 car, as the type 992 was still in series development.
“Many times in this project we would have had good reason to say ‘It’s not going to work’ or ‘It’s too complicated,’” said Philipp Setter, Head of Sonderwunsch Customer Consultation at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. “Once we decided to take on the challenge, we pushed the boundaries and were able to achieve a lot. With his clear vision and grasp of tight schedules and decision-making, Paolo Barilla was the right client and project manager for this ambitious project.”
Summer Yellow from the “Colour of Choice Plus” programme
“Direct contact with the customer is the best thing that you can have as a designer,” according to Grant Larson. Together with Harm Lagaay, Grant Larson designed the first Boxster and is currently the Director of Special Projects at Style Porsche. “I work for Porsche because that is where I can design dream cars. But the Sonderwunsch projects are in another dimension: The personal exchange with the client is extremely satisfying and helps us to better understand our customers’ wishes in our daily work.”
The biggest challenge for Larson was to transfer the graphic design from the extremely flat and square racing car to the more rounded shapes of the current 911. “Geometrically these are very different cars,” said Larson. “The layout couldn’t be transferred 1:1.” First, he worked digitally on the computer, then the lines were projected onto a test body with a laser device and these were painted accordingly. The trial paint was applied three times before designer Larson and project manager Barilla were satisfied. The warm, yellow shade also had to be carefully chosen to closely match the historical model and to work in both artificial and daylight. The team finally opted for summer yellow from the extensive “Colour of Choice Plus” programme at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
“I originally wanted to move the race numbers on the doors further towards the centre of the white strip, but Paolo Barilla insisted that the “7” should be very close to the edge, like on his racing car,” Larson recalls. During the project phase, he placed a 1:43 model of the racing car on his desk for inspiration.
Integrated into the Porsche family
Barilla visited Porsche three times during the concept phase to actively take part in the project from specification to completion. During the implementation phase, frequent consultations took place via telephone, email and video conference, followed by further visits – with his very own works ID. “Paolo Barilla was very pleased about this detail,” says Setter. “When the Porsche works ID was handed over in person, he officially became part of the team and our Porsche family.”
He also became an official production employee because Barilla himself flanged the gearbox to the engine in his unique car using a torque-controlled screw device. “Authentic experiences like these are ultimately what makes Porsche Porsche,” according to Setter. “Our customers have generally seen and experienced a lot, but for projects of this size, we always try to open a few more doors that would otherwise be closed, for very good reason.”
About the Porsche Sonderwunsch programme
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Porsche Classic enhance and restore unique sports cars with a combination of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. As part of its Co-Creation strategy, the sports car manufacturer is now offering a new interpretation of its legendary Sonderwunsch programme from the late 70s, which will make it possible to design individualised, one-off cars in future – co-created by the customer and professionally produced by Porsche. The expansion of this offering is divided into the areas of Factory Commissioning for individual customer colour and material requests directly in production as well as subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning and Factory One-Off after vehicle delivery to the customer. Whereas Factory Re-Commissioning is also aimed at the implementation of individual colours and materials, the Factory One-Off is a systematic technical new development. Depending on the vehicle age, the technical experts of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic take care of implementation.
About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen creates very personal customer vehicles through a combination of perfect craftsmanship and high-tech. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship.
The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customisation options for the exterior and interior. Visible examples include Sport Design packages, custom rim designs and interior trims, as well as the comprehensive “Colour of Choice Plus” range for all Porsche models. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur fulfils the highest demands with regard to materials and craftsmanship. Alongside individual customer vehicles, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also produces limited small series and editions. Here, high-quality materials are combined with modern production technologies to create a harmonious overall concept.
Fifty years after the death of Mexican racing driver Pedro Rodríguez, a Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ has been commissioned, with plans afoot to auction it off for charity.
[source: Porsche AG]
With two Formula One Grand Prix wins, a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and four triumphs in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Pedro Rodríguez is undoubtedly the most successful Mexican racing driver of all time. During his illustrious career he walked away with 11 titles in the World Championship of Makes – now known as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) – and he helped Porsche to win the series in 1970 and 1971. Eight of his 11 wins were in the Porsche 917 KH with the distinctive Gulf Oil livery.
Now, 50 years after he lost his life at the Norisring street circuit in Nuremberg, Germany on 11 July 1971, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico have commissioned a special tribute. Working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, a unique car has been built – the Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ Pedro Rodríguez, which was unveiled during a Sportscar Together Day at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Pegaso, in Toluca, Mexico.
“Pedro Rodríguez continues to be the Latin American driver who has given Porsche the most triumphs and joy,” explained George Wills, President and CEO of Porsche Latin America. “With this unique car in the world we want to pay tribute to a unique, irreplaceable driver, an idol of the past and a legend of today.”
Distinctive details and design
In paying tribute to a racing driver who was a one-off himself, the unique 911 created in his memory had to have a distinctive design and details. “This car has unique elements that no other car in the world could have,” says Camilo San Martin, Director of Porsche Mexico. “This configuration, with these specific details and equipment, has been locked in the Porsche configurator, as well as in the production system, so that this car is literally unrepeatable.”
As well as working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico worked alongside Rodríguez’s family and the Porsche Museum to create a car that not only pays tribute to the legendary Mexican driver, but also the 917 KH with which he achieved glory.
The Gulf blue 917 KH as inspiration
Painted in iconic Gulf blue with an orange stripe running across it, the ‘One of a Kind’ is based on the 911 Turbo S. The specially designed wheels are painted in high-gloss black, with an aluminium centre lock and the doors feature a black number two in a white circle.
Another distinctive element is the plaque located on the B-pillar, which bears a silhouette of the 917 KH in the colours of the Mexican flag and the name and signature of Rodríguez. This same detail is reflected in the carbon moldings on the lower door frames, which light up when opened. Similarly, the names of the eight races he won with the 917 KH are engraved under the rear spoiler.
nside, the 911 is fully upholstered in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and while the 917 silhouette features on the front seat headrests, Rodríguez’s signature can be seen on the centre armrest and on the carbon fibre dashboard trim.
The car’s personalisation even goes as far as the accompanying key, which not only features the signature of the two-time world endurance champion but is painted in Gulf blue. The car also includes a bespoke luggage set in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and details.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S “One of a Kind” Pedro Rodríguez will be auctioned off later this year. The proceeds will go to various charitable causes.
Meeting the wishes of customers is an important part of the global offering from Porsche, which pursues this goal with its Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Tequipment and Porsche Classic divisions. Now the company is planning to meet these special requests to an even greater extent, with a new and significantly extended range of products and services.
[source: Porsche AG]
This new offering includes various options to individualise Porsche sports cars, turning them into true one-offs. Porsche is extending the personalisation options for individual components directly in the Car Configurator, while a Performance Parts range will supplement its offering for new, pre-owned and classic vehicles. As part of its Co-Creation strategy, Porsche’s Sonderwunsch (special request) programme of the late 1970s is being reinterpreted too, making it possible to design individualised one-off cars in future – co-created by the customer and realised professionally by Porsche.
The range of individualisation options for new vehicles currently extends from personal customer consulting during the configuration process through to realisation of limited small series. Through Tequipment, Porsche also offers numerous accessory products and retrofit options and when it comes to classic vehicles, Porsche currently focuses on spare parts supply and factory restorations.
The Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer is now significantly extending its offering in all business areas. “It is our goal to provide customers around the globe with even more accurately tailored and demand-based products within the context of classic, existing and new cars, and to also offer a comprehensive range of individualisation options,” says Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualisation and Classic. “With the new offerings we are responding to the great global demand for our products. Starting with new possibilities for individualisation and personalisation of individual components, through the additional range of Performance Parts, up to the realisation of uniquely individualised sports cars, we have the right option for every customer.”
More personal than ever before: individual enhancements
The Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is successively expanding its range of products that can be individualised and personalised – and many more options will be available here in future. Examples include exterior wrapping options, individual starting numbers, prints on the floor mats, illuminated door entry guards and logo projectors in the vehicle doors. Customers can also choose to become designers themselves during the ordering process. The personalisation options at this stage include individual design elements such as colours, logos, lettering and text.
Using a digital application in the Porsche Car Configurator, it is possible to specify own designs for various items. For example, customers can have their own signature embossed on elements in the vehicle interior, such as the leather-covered cover on the centre console. The range is rounded off by personalised wraps and decals on selected exterior areas and individual paint finishes on the wheels.
New components for GT models and classic cars
Porsche will offer a large number of new components for new vehicles as well as pre-owned and classic cars with its Performance Parts programme. The Porsche Tequipment range for new and pre-owned vehicles is aimed at drivers who are motorsport enthusiasts and amateur racing drivers. Porsche Classic will offer new developments with a historical reference, components for performance enhancement and also lifestyle products for both newer and more historic classic cars. The aim is to increase performance or improve the cars’ everyday usability.
The Classic division has created a pair of show cars, based on two first-generation Cayenne models, which showcase the possible new individualisation offerings, with both an outdoor and an off-road focus.
Modern and classic sports cars as one-offs
As part of its Co-Creation strategy, Porsche is now offering a new interpretation of its legendary Sonderwunsch (special request) programme from the late 1970s and will make it possible to design individualised one-off cars in the future – co-created by the customer and realised professionally by Porsche. The expansion of this offering is divided into different areas: Factory Commissioning for individual customer colour and material wishes directly in production, and subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning and Factory One-Off services for after a vehicle has been delivered to the customer.
Whereas Factory Re-Commissioning is all about individual colours and materials, the Factory One-Off service is a systematic, technical new development. Depending on the age of the vehicle in question, either the technical experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or the specialists at Porsche Classic will take care of implementation.
About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Porsche Tequipment
Across all model series, customers can currently choose from more than 700 Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur options. The demand for individualisation is increasing all the time. The level of vehicle enhancement is particularly extensive in 25 per cent of all 911 models delivered worldwide: they visit the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur workshops at the parent plant in Zuffenhausen for exclusive re-commissioning. Sonderwunsch one-offs and limited small series are also produced in the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
Current examples are the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition and a limited 911 special model which was produced to mark the 20th anniversary of Porsche China. Porsche offers numerous accessory products and retrofit options via the Tequipment division. The overall range of initially around 150 parts has continuously grown to now include more than 500 Tequipment options.
About Porsche Classic
Porsche Classic is responsible for spare parts supply and factory restorations of all of the brand’s road-approved classic cars. The range extends from a selection of various accessories and technical literature through to classic spare part supply and new editions of spare parts that are no longer available. Every year around 100 classic vehicles from the Porsche 356 through to the 911 (Type 996) and Boxster (Type 986) pass through the Classic workshop for accident repairs and other repair work. Complete restorations are available for all cars prior to the 996 generation of the 911, the Boxster Type 986 and the Carrera GT.
The current spare parts range includes more than 60,000 items. This is supplemented each year by an average of 300 new issues of spare parts that are no longer available as well as new accessory, lifestyle or performance-enhancing parts. Porsche is also extending its international dealer and service network with the Porsche Classic Partner programme. These are existing Porsche Centres with specific expertise in handling classic Porsche cars. The network currently comprises 76 locations, including four Porsche Classic Centres.
Info
The vehicles shown are show cars. They are for illustrative purposes only and have been modified from their series production condition and equipped with accessories, some of which do not originate from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG and which cannot be purchased from Porsche or from the Porsche sales organisation. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG has not tested these modifications and accessories and has not approved them for use.
